Liru Tjuta (Two Snakes), 2001 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 66x122cm

Liru Tjuta (Two Snakes), 2001 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri – A Powerful Ancestral Story of the Gibson Desert

Dr George Tjapaltjarri’s Liru Tjuta (Two Snakes)(2001) is a mesmerising depiction of one of the most significant Dreaming stories connected to his traditional homeland in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia. Measuring 66x122 cm, this striking painting embodies the rich storytelling traditions of the Pintupi people.

The artwork portrays the legendary journey of two Liru (king brown or mulga snakes), ancestral beings that traveled underground from Papunya westward to Nyinmi, and eventually to Jupiter Well —a sacred site in the Gibson Desert. This powerful narrative is set during the Creative Era (Tjukurrpa), a time when ancestral spirits shaped the landscape, leaving behind sacred landmarks and teachings for future generations.

A pivotal moment in this story is the epic battle between Liru and Kuniya (carpet snake) at Uluru. These two powerful beings clashed at a waterhole atop a sandhill, their struggle so profound that its traces remain etched into the rock formations of Uluru, one of Australia’s most revered cultural sites. Both Liru and Kuniya are regarded as major creators of Uluru, their presence deeply embedded in the spiritual and physical landscape of the region.

As a respected senior lawman, Dr George Tjapaltjarri was entrusted with the custodianship of these sacred Dreaming stories. His knowledge was shared with young initiates during Malliera (male initiation) ceremonies, ensuring the continuation of cultural traditions and law. Through Liru Tjuta (Two Snakes), he masterfully brings this ancient narrative to life, using bold, flowing forms to convey the movement and energy of these powerful ancestral beings.

This painting is not just an artwork—it is a visual testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural connections of the Pintupi people to their land, law, and ancestors.